28 June- 9 July Light at the End of the Tunnel

Starting forward, the odd shape angles in compartment 1 have been installed. Work is finished there except for final inspection. On deck, the hatch coaming have not yet been started nor the rubber seals in the hatch covers. Pieces and parts for the tow knees are starting to drift back into the yard. The overlay of the false bow has yet to begin.

All of the internal repairs in compartment 3 have been completed and the bottom plate and side plates installed.

All of the internal repairs which were substantial have been completed in compartment 5 with the exception of a set up of one frame on the port side aft. The bottom plate has been dragged under the boat and will be lifted starting today.

Approval has been given for the repair of the paddlewheel here at the yard rather than back in Marietta. Bill Reynolds visited the yard on Thursday, 8 July, and we reviewed a procedure for rotating the paddlewheel so that the repairs can be accomplished from the floor of the drydock and not up in the air. A tentative design for new diagonal bracing of the facing bar across the back of the wheel sponsons is coming into fruition. Presently, there is a welded steel I-beam which goes between the spokes/arms and that would interfere with the rotation. The new design would be an articulated hinge arrangement which would fold out of the way and would not require any physical lifting. New stops for the wheel will be bolted. This will allow the wheel to be rotated for maintenance as well as for any other purpose.